SBW stays in NZ, becomes a Chief

All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has signed up for another year with New Zealand rugby and is switching his Super Rugby allegiance to the Chiefs.

Former NRL star Williams was coy about his playing future while helping the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup earlier this month, prompting speculation he may head abroad, and possibly even back to rugby league.

The fact he has signed a new deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union for only one year means the speculation will continue to linger in 2012.

Williams joined Super Rugby powerhouse the Crusaders for his first season in New Zealand this year but is leaving their earthquake-hit Christchurch base to link with perennial also-rans the Chiefs in Hamilton.